On February 28, 2020, SCHATTENFALL released an EP titled "Das Verderben." SCHATTENFALL is an atmospheric black metal band that hails from Germany. "Das Verderben" is their first EP, but comes after the two well-received full-length albums "Schatten in Schwarz" released in 2017 and "Melancholie des Seins."

Their tracks have a classic atmospheric black metal sound. The riffs aren't blisteringly fast, melodic, or evil. Instead, they maintain a steady rhythm, constantly building and maintaining a dark atmosphere. The riffs and restrained drumming can have a trance-like effect. The vocals are also worthy of praise, showing a great deal of emotion that matches the background instruments. The production isn't BURZUM levels of raw, instead, leaning towards a cleaner production.

"Totentanz" is the opening track. The bass and drum focused quick intro is a nice change of pace from other black metal album introductions. What follows is a standard black metal passage, with fast riffs and tortured black metal screams. The forlorn bass line from the intro repeats throughout the track in the background. The drumming controls the pacing of the track, alternating between restrained drumming and fast paced drumming.

"Abschied" continues where "Totentanz" left off: droning riffs under the emotional screams of the vocalist, all kept at a restrained pace by the drummer. This isn't a song to windmill to, but definitely a song to head bang along slowly.

Aside from a scream starting off the track, "Der Schiffbrüchige" starts off with a similar sound to the first two tracks. Something that is notable about this track is the addition of synths in the background. It reminds me of BURZUM. It has a soft and airy sound, a stark contrast to the dark black metal in the foreground.

Overall, I would recommend this to fans of black metal, particularly fans of atmospheric and possibly even post black metal. If you enjoy your black metal evil or symphonic, this may not be for you. However, if you prefer the more subdued side of black metal, without it being too melodic or sleep-inducing, then this is for you.